With Spring upon us and summer right around the corner, it's time to refresh your footwear for the season ahead. Whether you're hitting the pavement, exploring trails, or upgrading from everyday style, the 2025 Spring Shoe Guide has you covered. This year brings a perfect blend of innovation, comfort, and style, with top brands rolling out shoes that cater to runners, casual walkers, and lifestyle enthusiasts alike. Expect cutting-edge materials, eco-conscious designs, and bold aesthetics that will keep you ahead of the game. Get ready to step confidently into the new season with shoes tailored to your needs and preferences.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. Our testers put their shoes through at least 20 running miles (some way more than 20 miles) while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Spring Shoe Guides
AHNU | Asics | Brooks | Craft | Diadora | HOKA | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | The North Face | Reebok | Rossignol | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Asics Cumulus 27
Asics Nimbus 27
Asics Fuji Lite 5
Asics Kayano 30
Asics Cumulus 27
About: The ASICS Cumulus 27 is a reliable choice for runners seeking a blend of everyday versatility and all-day comfort. This model has been fine-tuned with a lightweight construction and flexible design, making it perfect for various running styles and distances. Equipped with FF BLAST™ cushioning and a supportive upper, the Cumulus 27 offers adaptive fit and comfort during casual runs, interval training, or even walks. Whether you're a beginner discovering the joy of running or a seasoned athlete needing a dependable shoe, the Cumulus 27 provides consistent performance mile after mile.
I love this shoe. During one run, I found myself thinking about how I’d describe it to a friend, and it hit me: it has an impressive amount of cushioning for its lightweight design. It doesn’t have as much structure as some other shoes I’ve worn, but it molds to my foot in this gel-like, super comfortable, and supportive way. Then I remembered the name, Gel Cumulus, and honestly, it couldn’t be more fitting.
Things We Liked:
"I love how light these shoes are while still offering support and cushion. They are a dream to run in."
Areas for Improvement:
"I would possibly look at the sizing options as it felt a bit big compared to other shoes of the same size I've worn. "
Final Thoughts
This lightweight running shoe offers impressive cushioning that delivers soft, comfortable landings without sacrificing much speed. The wide toe box allows your toes to move freely, enhancing comfort over longer distances. The shoe maintains a responsive ride, making it a solid choice for runners looking to stay quick on their feet. A breathable mesh tongue enhances overall ventilation, helping to keep feet cool during extended sessions. While it has limited traction, making it less suited for trails, it performs best on road surfaces. This shoe excels in mid- to long-distance runs and longer interval workouts, making it ideal for casual runners who strike a strong balance between comfort and performance.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Price: $140
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: Runs Half Size Big
- Ideal for: Speed, Recovery, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Asics Nimbus 27
About:Built for adventure, the ASICS Fuji Lite 5 makes trail running both durable and exhilarating. Inspired by ASICS’ eco-focused approach, this model integrates sustainable materials into its design without compromising performance. Featuring FLYTEFOAM cushioning and a rugged outsole, the Fuji Lite 5 delivers optimal grip and responsive bounce, even on challenging terrain. Whether ascending steep trails or navigating rocky paths, this shoe ensures traction, control, and lightweight agility. If your runs take you off the beaten path, the Fuji Lite 5 is the reliable partner you need to conquer the trails.
When looking to recover, it starts at the feet, and the Gel-Nimbus 27s are the go-to for ultimate comfort on rest and recovery days.
Things We Liked:
"When the dogs need a break, these are my go-to shoes for rest & recovery. "
"The standout feature of the Gel-Nimbus 27 is how consistently plush and protective it feels, no matter how far you run."
Areas for Improvement:
"Wider range of colors/fabrics to accommodate all weather conditions."
"While the Gel-Nimbus 27 absolutely nails comfort, it’s still a heavier shoe, especially compared to other modern daily trainers."
Final Thoughts
As a casual runner, I am not chasing PRs and simply running to stay active. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27s have become my favorite shoe for running, recovery, and everyday wear. The cushioning is plush without being overly soft, making every step easy, especially when my legs are tired.
The build is breathable in motion and provides just the right amount of support without feeling bulky. I mainly use them for 3–5 mile easy runs, and they leave my feet feeling fresh afterward. I wear them just as much, if not more, on off days for running errands, walks, or just standing around. They’re truly just that comfortable.
They’re not light or fast, so I don’t reach for them on workout days, but that’s not what they’re for. For recovery, comfort, and all-day wear, the Gel-Nimbus 27 nails it.
Specs:
- Drop: 8 mm
- Weight: 10.8 oz
- Price: $165
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Road
- Fit: Runs Size Size Big
- Ideal for: Recovery, Long Distance, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Asics Fuji Lite 5
About:For runners who need additional stability on their runs, look no further than the Saucony Guide 18. Designed for overpronators, this shoe features a subtle medial post to promote proper alignment and reduce joint strain. Saucony’s PWRRUN foam offers lightweight cushioning, resulting in a smooth ride without unnecessary bulk. Its FORMFIT upper adapts to every curve of your foot, delivering a secure yet flexible fit. Perfect for everything from quick 5 Ks to extended training sessions, the Guide 18 delivers support and comfort in equal measure, ensuring you stay on track with your running goals.
Asics Fuji Lite lives up to its name - these are the lightest trail shoes I have experienced..
Things We Liked:
"The price. I feel like every shoe these days costs around $200. At $130, this shoe is a bargain."
"This shoe was comfortable, had good trail traction, and was very light."
Areas for Improvement:
"The laces need to be a bit longer. I must choose between heel-locking or double-knotting my laces; I can't do both. If I'm 80 miles into an ultra, the last thing I want to do is bend down to tie my shoes."
"The lace keeper did not seem to add any value for me. I would try to tuck my laces in, but they came out immediately, so I ended up double knotting them instead."
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite like the feeling of hitting the trails. But honestly, the wrong pair of shoes can leave you more focused on your gear than the joy of the run. The Fuji Lite 5 helps you focus on the joy of the run! The lace eyelets provide a snug yet easy fit, allowing you to get on the trails quickly with minimal fuss.
These shoes are engineered to be incredibly lightweight, so you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them. Despite their feather-light feel, they offer the support you need for longer trail runs or medium-difficulty terrains. Even on warm days, the breathable material ensures your feet feel fresh and energized.
For runners who want to enjoy a comfortable shoe on easy to medium trail runs, the Fuji Lite 5 is a good place to start.
Specs:
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Price: $130
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Running - Trail
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Long Distance, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Asics Kayano 20
About:The ASICS Kayano 20 continues its legacy of superior support and stability for overpronators. Designed with an advanced 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™, this shoe adapts to your natural stride while maintaining a balanced and seamless transition. The updated midsole combines FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning with LITETRUSS™ technology, providing a soft yet stable foundation that minimizes the impact of overpronation. Whether you're tackling everyday training runs or pushing toward your next personal best, the Kayano 20 offers the reassurance and comfort needed to go the extra mile.
With every stride, the ASICS Gel Kayano 20 cradles your feet in pure luxury, making every run feel like an effortless, irresistible glide.
Things We Liked:
"Great fit. Very supportive shoe "
"Runners love the ASICS Gel Kayano 20 for its exceptional comfort and supportive cushioning, making long-distance runs feel smoother and more stable."
Areas for Improvement:
"If they could make it a little lighter. It feels slightly heavier for traditional running. "
"The ASICS Gel Kayano 20 could improve in weight; I feel it’s a bit bulky for faster-paced runs or shorter races."
Final Thoughts
The ASICS Gel Kayano 20 is a reliable, supportive running shoe designed for long-distance runners who need stability and cushioning. It features ASICS' renowned Gel technology in both the forefoot and heel, offering excellent shock absorption and comfort over extended runs. The shoe’s lightweight construction and a durable yet responsive midsole provide a smooth ride. The upper design offers a snug, secure fit, making it ideal for runners with moderate to severe overpronation.
This shoe is particularly well-suited for marathons, half-marathons, and other races that require consistent, supportive cushioning over multiple miles. Its stability and comfort make it a go-to for runners prioritizing injury prevention and needing long-lasting performance throughout their race. However, it may feel too cushioned for those who prefer a more minimalist, faster-paced feel.
Specs:
- Price: $170
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Cross Trainers
- Fit: True To Size
- Ideal for: Cross Training, Recovery, Long Distance
Buy:
Women's | Men's